On Monday, 06.08.2015 a German-British reception was held in the foyer of the NORD / LB in Hanover, where the official birthday of Queen Elizabeth II was celebrated together! Hosts were Dr. Gunter Dunkel, Honorary British Consul and the CEO of NORD / LB and Brigadier General Ian Bell, commander of the British forces in Germany. The British forces have this event for the last time aligned with NORD / LB, as all British troops will have left Lower Saxony by the end of the year!

“I am delighted to celebrate the birthday of Her Majesty in the wonderful city of Hannover together with you,” said Brigadier General Ian Bell. “Unfortunately, it will be the last time that the British armed forces were involved. This reception gives us the opportunity to thank you in the name of thousands of British soldiers in Lower Saxony, you being excellent hosts. “

Other speeches were held by the British Ambassador Sir Simon McDonald KCMG, Dr. Gunter Dunkel and Lower Saxony Prime Minister Stephan Weil. All speakers praised the good relation between the German population to the British troops stationed here!

Among the invited guests such as Heinrich, Prince of Hanover there were also some guests from the district Hameln! Ulrich Behmann, the chief editor of Deister- und Weserzeitung, who reported for years during the maneuvers of the British forces in the district of Hamelin-Pyrmont and Baron Cord of Mengersen. He is closely linked to the British forces and often have been for exercises available, he has provided the Rittergut Helpensen!

Subsequent to the receipt of a musical spectacle took place on the Trammplatz in front of City Hall. The guests of honor were led by the piper Nick Colwell and drummer Kenny Bright!

The “Band of the Royal Armoured Corps” accompanied from now on all performances on the specially cordoned Trammplatz! An impressive performance delivered 6 Nepalese Gurkhas dancers who performed a traditional dance! For curfew also was still “The Band and Bugles of the Rifles’ on the square which again impressed rapid sequences of steps (140 steps per minute)!

The British flag was overtaken and Brigadier General Ian Bell handed out the flag to Lower Saxony Prime Minister Stephan Weil!

The “The Lone Piper” David Moir sounds his tunes emotionally from the balcony of the city hall!